Iloilo
Overview
Dazzling beaches, friendly rural villages and thrilling adventure --- this unique combination is a guarantee of an unforgettable journey to Iloilo.
The province ranks as one of the country's foremost centers of culture, industry and trade. With Iloilo City as its capital, the province covers an area of 4,733.23 square kilometers comprising of 1,901 barangays. It has a total population count of 1,925,573.
Iloilo has a glorious past as the land's great sugarbowl and the locale of the haciendas of the old rich - whose scions and daughters turned down the centuries into the dons and donas of powerful economic dynasties.
Iloilo is famous for the Dinagyang, a local mardigras. Held every January in honor of the Infant Jesus, the festival is a major tourist attraction.
Iloilo is a trove of historical sites. Tour the province's famous sunset strip, Fort San Pedro or the flower-decked La Villa Rica de Arevalo, site of the Hispanic governance. Or one can visit another historical landmark, Plaza Libertad in the central city district where the flag of the Philippine revolutionaries was first raised upon Spain's final surrender.
Old paintings, tapestries, furniture and memorabilia may be viewed in the Museo Iloilo and also in private galleries deeo in the heart of the city.
One of the most noticeable legacies of Spanish colonial era in the area lies in its architecture, particularly in the houses and hundreds of churches built all over Iloilo.
Everywhere you go in Iloilo, you will see many examples of manorial old houses with their ornate façade combine classical Western influences with folk art motifs. Typically raised or two-story, its enormous sliding, decorative windows with panes made of capiz shells, are considered as one of its most distinctive feature. With an elegant grand dining room and impressive sala where tertulias and bailes were held---brings back memories of centuries-old tales. With its picturesque architectural setting, it is indeed a sight to behold.
Iloilo may be relished by nature trips to its delightful beaches that are best for swimming, snorkeling and other water sports. Igbaras, an hour and fifteen minute's drive from the city is sure to captivate visitors with its waterfalls, climbing hills, crystal caves and springs. Another cave haunt is Dingle, only 35 minutes from the city proper - it also boasts of a number of religious shrines and healing springwaters. Sicogon Island and the Islas de Gigantes are nearby isles which are laced with shimmering sands and deep blue waters that teem with marine life and corals. For a view of grand mountain canyons, a drop-by at Bucari Mountain Ranges in Leon 28 kilometers away is simply thrilling.
Visits to the colleges of agriculture in Leon and Lambunao, and the fisheries college of Barotac Nuevo. Show that the province is a hive of economic progress.
Ilonggos are gregarious, fun-loving people whose hospitality is legendary. Their amiable faces, always ready with a warm smile and a cheery welcome, embodies a beautiful culture with pleasing voices that echo a proud past.
Indeed, despite the complexities of rapid population growth, Iloilo prides itself as the regional hub of education, trade, commerce and tourism. It’s populace is one of the most educated in the country, with six universities to boast, considered as among the country’s best.
Much of the fun of visiting Iloilo is trying out its cuisine and sampling its specialties. Food is something of a comfort blanket for Ilonggos and to be without it is a cause for panic. It is a culinary society where eating has almost become a hobby. Ilonggo cuisine has numerous indigenous and foreign influences. Its mouth-watering concoctions will surely fascinate your senses and tickle your taste buds. It is an intriguing mixture of the familiar and exotic.
Festivals are the bright flecks in the fabric of Ilonggo life. They are religious and folk celebrations rolled into one and provide the perfect occasion for feasting, fellowship and family get-togethers. They are the glue that hold together far-flung members of family and friends who come on reunions on just such occasions.
Some of the municipalities enable visitors a glimpse of a rich history and tradition as well as culture and the country’s best festivals. The unending beat of the drums, and ilonggos’ predisposition for a good party, the result--- a flamboyant display of dances, colors and fun.
A leading food producer, it yields a variety of crops. It is an investment hub in the fields of manufacturing, food processing and tourism. Presently, Iloilo is pushing ahead with reform programs, improving infrastructures and attracting local and international investment.
Despite its versatility, Iloilo province continues to reinvent itself, with special emphasis to the preservation of natural resources. Iloilo has protected areas that, at the same time offer good trekking activity in the region. It has heritage areas, wildlife sanctuaries. Its mesmerizing landscape of waterfalls, caves and rolling hills are typical sites outside the city.
The feat of fixing Iloilo’s allure with architectural marvel, has become the legacy of years of unity and teamwork among the provincial government, city government, and various sectors and stakeholders who strives to perfect the synergy that makes Iloilo what it is now.
Location and accessibility
Located 238 statute miles from Manila, Iloilo is the gateway of the Western Visayas Region. The province comprises the southeastern part of Panay Island. Iloilo is 55 minutes by plane from Manila, 30 minutes from Cebu, 90 minutes from Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and one hour 45 minutes away from Gen. Santos City.
Should you opt to go by sea, Sulpicio Lines, Negros Navigation and Aboitiz have ships plying from Manila (19 hours), Cagayan De Oro City (16 hours), Zamboanga City (14 hours), Cotabato (26 hours), Bacolod (a 2-hour ferry service), and Guimaras (a 20-minute ferry pumpboat service).
Natural boundaries, such as mountain ranges with peaks as high as 7,000 ft., lie between Iloilo and Antique on the west and Capiz on the north. Mainland Iloilo is composed of plain interspersed with upland portions. The capital, Iloilo City, rests between the Iloilo and Batino rivers which from the angle of a nose. This location is the root of the province's old name, ilong-ilong which means "noselike".
Climate
The climate is tropical, with two pronounced seasons: rainy from June to Septmeber and dry, from October to May.
Language
Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) is the major dialect, although English and Tagalog are also widely spoken and understood, especially in urban areas.
Political SubdivisionIloilo is made up of the city and 43 municipalities, and divided into five congressional districts. Iloilo province has 1,720 barangays.
Major Industries
Iloilo province is primarily the commercial and trade center of Western Visayas, with commercial, industrial development and rural banks, financial and investment houses, insurance companies, and realestate agencies and developers.
Nevertheless, agriculture is the province's main source of livelihood. In fact, Iloilo's production of rice, sugar and mango has made it one of the country's top agricultural producers.
Fishing is the second biggest industry, for Iloilo has rich fishing grounds. This is the site of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center which conducts researches on the spawning of milkfish and prawns; and the University of Philippines (Miag-ao) which is the center of marine and aquatic studies in the Philippines.
The multi-million peso Iloilo Fish Port also helps maximize the production of inland and deep-sea fisheries in Western Visayas.
The Iloilo Commercial Port Complex, the first island pier in the country, is a multi- purpose port terminal which caters to both domestic and foreign containerized and convention sites.
Cottage industries include pottery, ceramics-making, weaving, woodcraft and handicraft.
Transportation, tourist and telecommunication facilitiesShipping campanies, bus and taxicab operators, car rental agencies, travel and tour operators will help you on your way to any point you wish to go.
The PAL office at the domestic airport will help you make arrangements for connecting flights to your next destinations. Should you find yourself in a fix, contact the mearest Departmant of Tourism information booth.
Iloilo has six major hotels and numerous pension houses to accomodate tourists, and which may also serve as convention sites.
Shopping complexes, restaurants, native food centers, sports and recreational facilities are ready to enter to your shopping, dining and leisure needs.
Here's a tip : to those who wish to go on a gastronomical adventure may visit the native reataurants along Villa Beach, downtown Iloilo area or along Diversion Road. You may also get up before dawn and visit the Iloilo Fishing Port, when the fishermen unload their catch; there are many food stalls willing to cook the dripping - fresh seafood for your sumptuous meal.
Most establishments open for business at 8 AM; close at 5 PM (government offices), 3 PM (banks), and 7 PM (most commercial establishments). Post offices, telegraph and telephone companies ensure that you are constantly in touch with the world. Iloilo's ideal location makes it easy for people from neighboring provinces to avail of these facilities.
Industries / Investment Opportunities
Product
Bamboo furniture, furnishings, gifts, toys and housewares.
Raw material used:
Primary: bamboo, kawayan tinik variety
Secondary: wood, rattan, fiber glass, wroguth iron, woven indigenous fibers
Production capacity is 20 x 20 ft. full container load (FCL) per month
B. Key players
40 manufacturers ( 9 exporters and 32 domestic producers)
59 bamboo growers
29 traders
C. Market
Domectic
Manila
Cebu
Export
USA
Europe
Japan
Singapore
Taiwan
Lebanon
Australia
D. Opportunities
Management consulting services
Product design consultants to provide current market trends, concepts and price range of the products or similar products.
Consolidators, shipping/freight forwarding services and export documents processing
Establishment of additional nurseries
Services in harvesting of bamboos particularly on improve knowledge and techniques
Chemicals for treatment of raw materials and chemicals Traders and fabricators of tools and equipment.(gov.ph)
Dazzling beaches, friendly rural villages and thrilling adventure --- this unique combination is a guarantee of an unforgettable journey to Iloilo.
The province ranks as one of the country's foremost centers of culture, industry and trade. With Iloilo City as its capital, the province covers an area of 4,733.23 square kilometers comprising of 1,901 barangays. It has a total population count of 1,925,573.
Iloilo has a glorious past as the land's great sugarbowl and the locale of the haciendas of the old rich - whose scions and daughters turned down the centuries into the dons and donas of powerful economic dynasties.
Iloilo is famous for the Dinagyang, a local mardigras. Held every January in honor of the Infant Jesus, the festival is a major tourist attraction.
Iloilo is a trove of historical sites. Tour the province's famous sunset strip, Fort San Pedro or the flower-decked La Villa Rica de Arevalo, site of the Hispanic governance. Or one can visit another historical landmark, Plaza Libertad in the central city district where the flag of the Philippine revolutionaries was first raised upon Spain's final surrender.
Old paintings, tapestries, furniture and memorabilia may be viewed in the Museo Iloilo and also in private galleries deeo in the heart of the city.
One of the most noticeable legacies of Spanish colonial era in the area lies in its architecture, particularly in the houses and hundreds of churches built all over Iloilo.
Everywhere you go in Iloilo, you will see many examples of manorial old houses with their ornate façade combine classical Western influences with folk art motifs. Typically raised or two-story, its enormous sliding, decorative windows with panes made of capiz shells, are considered as one of its most distinctive feature. With an elegant grand dining room and impressive sala where tertulias and bailes were held---brings back memories of centuries-old tales. With its picturesque architectural setting, it is indeed a sight to behold.
Iloilo may be relished by nature trips to its delightful beaches that are best for swimming, snorkeling and other water sports. Igbaras, an hour and fifteen minute's drive from the city is sure to captivate visitors with its waterfalls, climbing hills, crystal caves and springs. Another cave haunt is Dingle, only 35 minutes from the city proper - it also boasts of a number of religious shrines and healing springwaters. Sicogon Island and the Islas de Gigantes are nearby isles which are laced with shimmering sands and deep blue waters that teem with marine life and corals. For a view of grand mountain canyons, a drop-by at Bucari Mountain Ranges in Leon 28 kilometers away is simply thrilling.
Visits to the colleges of agriculture in Leon and Lambunao, and the fisheries college of Barotac Nuevo. Show that the province is a hive of economic progress.
Ilonggos are gregarious, fun-loving people whose hospitality is legendary. Their amiable faces, always ready with a warm smile and a cheery welcome, embodies a beautiful culture with pleasing voices that echo a proud past.
Indeed, despite the complexities of rapid population growth, Iloilo prides itself as the regional hub of education, trade, commerce and tourism. It’s populace is one of the most educated in the country, with six universities to boast, considered as among the country’s best.
Much of the fun of visiting Iloilo is trying out its cuisine and sampling its specialties. Food is something of a comfort blanket for Ilonggos and to be without it is a cause for panic. It is a culinary society where eating has almost become a hobby. Ilonggo cuisine has numerous indigenous and foreign influences. Its mouth-watering concoctions will surely fascinate your senses and tickle your taste buds. It is an intriguing mixture of the familiar and exotic.
Festivals are the bright flecks in the fabric of Ilonggo life. They are religious and folk celebrations rolled into one and provide the perfect occasion for feasting, fellowship and family get-togethers. They are the glue that hold together far-flung members of family and friends who come on reunions on just such occasions.
Some of the municipalities enable visitors a glimpse of a rich history and tradition as well as culture and the country’s best festivals. The unending beat of the drums, and ilonggos’ predisposition for a good party, the result--- a flamboyant display of dances, colors and fun.
A leading food producer, it yields a variety of crops. It is an investment hub in the fields of manufacturing, food processing and tourism. Presently, Iloilo is pushing ahead with reform programs, improving infrastructures and attracting local and international investment.
Despite its versatility, Iloilo province continues to reinvent itself, with special emphasis to the preservation of natural resources. Iloilo has protected areas that, at the same time offer good trekking activity in the region. It has heritage areas, wildlife sanctuaries. Its mesmerizing landscape of waterfalls, caves and rolling hills are typical sites outside the city.
The feat of fixing Iloilo’s allure with architectural marvel, has become the legacy of years of unity and teamwork among the provincial government, city government, and various sectors and stakeholders who strives to perfect the synergy that makes Iloilo what it is now.
Location and accessibility
Located 238 statute miles from Manila, Iloilo is the gateway of the Western Visayas Region. The province comprises the southeastern part of Panay Island. Iloilo is 55 minutes by plane from Manila, 30 minutes from Cebu, 90 minutes from Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and one hour 45 minutes away from Gen. Santos City.
Should you opt to go by sea, Sulpicio Lines, Negros Navigation and Aboitiz have ships plying from Manila (19 hours), Cagayan De Oro City (16 hours), Zamboanga City (14 hours), Cotabato (26 hours), Bacolod (a 2-hour ferry service), and Guimaras (a 20-minute ferry pumpboat service).
Natural boundaries, such as mountain ranges with peaks as high as 7,000 ft., lie between Iloilo and Antique on the west and Capiz on the north. Mainland Iloilo is composed of plain interspersed with upland portions. The capital, Iloilo City, rests between the Iloilo and Batino rivers which from the angle of a nose. This location is the root of the province's old name, ilong-ilong which means "noselike".
Climate
The climate is tropical, with two pronounced seasons: rainy from June to Septmeber and dry, from October to May.
Language
Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) is the major dialect, although English and Tagalog are also widely spoken and understood, especially in urban areas.
Political SubdivisionIloilo is made up of the city and 43 municipalities, and divided into five congressional districts. Iloilo province has 1,720 barangays.
Major Industries
Iloilo province is primarily the commercial and trade center of Western Visayas, with commercial, industrial development and rural banks, financial and investment houses, insurance companies, and realestate agencies and developers.
Nevertheless, agriculture is the province's main source of livelihood. In fact, Iloilo's production of rice, sugar and mango has made it one of the country's top agricultural producers.
Fishing is the second biggest industry, for Iloilo has rich fishing grounds. This is the site of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center which conducts researches on the spawning of milkfish and prawns; and the University of Philippines (Miag-ao) which is the center of marine and aquatic studies in the Philippines.
The multi-million peso Iloilo Fish Port also helps maximize the production of inland and deep-sea fisheries in Western Visayas.
The Iloilo Commercial Port Complex, the first island pier in the country, is a multi- purpose port terminal which caters to both domestic and foreign containerized and convention sites.
Cottage industries include pottery, ceramics-making, weaving, woodcraft and handicraft.
Transportation, tourist and telecommunication facilitiesShipping campanies, bus and taxicab operators, car rental agencies, travel and tour operators will help you on your way to any point you wish to go.
The PAL office at the domestic airport will help you make arrangements for connecting flights to your next destinations. Should you find yourself in a fix, contact the mearest Departmant of Tourism information booth.
Iloilo has six major hotels and numerous pension houses to accomodate tourists, and which may also serve as convention sites.
Shopping complexes, restaurants, native food centers, sports and recreational facilities are ready to enter to your shopping, dining and leisure needs.
Here's a tip : to those who wish to go on a gastronomical adventure may visit the native reataurants along Villa Beach, downtown Iloilo area or along Diversion Road. You may also get up before dawn and visit the Iloilo Fishing Port, when the fishermen unload their catch; there are many food stalls willing to cook the dripping - fresh seafood for your sumptuous meal.
Most establishments open for business at 8 AM; close at 5 PM (government offices), 3 PM (banks), and 7 PM (most commercial establishments). Post offices, telegraph and telephone companies ensure that you are constantly in touch with the world. Iloilo's ideal location makes it easy for people from neighboring provinces to avail of these facilities.
Industries / Investment Opportunities
Product
Bamboo furniture, furnishings, gifts, toys and housewares.
Raw material used:
Primary: bamboo, kawayan tinik variety
Secondary: wood, rattan, fiber glass, wroguth iron, woven indigenous fibers
Production capacity is 20 x 20 ft. full container load (FCL) per month
B. Key players
40 manufacturers ( 9 exporters and 32 domestic producers)
59 bamboo growers
29 traders
C. Market
Domectic
Manila
Cebu
Export
USA
Europe
Japan
Singapore
Taiwan
Lebanon
Australia
D. Opportunities
Management consulting services
Product design consultants to provide current market trends, concepts and price range of the products or similar products.
Consolidators, shipping/freight forwarding services and export documents processing
Establishment of additional nurseries
Services in harvesting of bamboos particularly on improve knowledge and techniques
Chemicals for treatment of raw materials and chemicals Traders and fabricators of tools and equipment.(gov.ph)
Labels: Iloilo, Western Visayas
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